What Does Jesus Mean in John 12:26 that We Will Be With Him

Question: Part of John 12:26 says “where I am, there shall also my servant be”. I understand the context of this verse however, I don’t quite understand what is meant by this part. My understanding is that Jesus was speaking to the Greeks who had shown up looking to follow him. Jesus is trying to impart part of what is required of those who follow him.

When Jesus says “where I am, there shall also my servant be”, does that then mean that his followers at the time were required to literally and physically follow him everywhere? And if so, how does that apply to modern day followers? How are we to be where Jesus is?

I have read several commentaries which assert that Jesus is referring to “where [he] is” as being in heaven and his servant will be there with him, meaning also be in heaven. I see no evidence of this understanding, so if that is what you believe it means, please explain how you came to that conclusion.

²⁰ Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. ²¹ They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

²³ Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:20-26)

Answer: Jesus’ statement is a little opaque. In the context he is speaking of his hour for glorification to come, after walking and stumbling in the night when no one can see (his crucifixion). He will die like a seed in the ground and that then produces many seeds. And we too, if we follow him will have to lose our lives (literally or spiritually), and thus doing will have our lives for eternal life. Because where he is (in his glorification) is also where we will be (future tense). As one commentator says, “following after me [Jesus] will lead him [Jesus’ disciple] into blessed fellowship with me in my kingdom.”